The saga continues. After confirming that the upcoming Blue concert in South Africa would not go ahead as planned, fans have been waiting in anticipation for promoter Cool Concerts and ticketing agent Top Tickets to issue refunds. However, this now seems increasingly unlikely, as De Villiers National Cycling, the company trading as Cool Concerts and Top Tickets, has “officially ceased all operations following the successful liquidation application brought by Hit Factory.”
Blue’s 20th anniversary celebration concerts were scheduled to take place at SunBet Arena in Pretoria on 14 October and Grand Arena in Cape Town on 15 October. However, the band announced on social media that the shows would not go ahead.
“It is with the saddest hearts that we announce we won’t be coming to South Africa next month,” Blue wrote on their Instagram Stories.
The band accused the promoter of being in “breach of contract,” adding “Our team is working hard behind the scenes to arrange new dates with a new promoter, so we can come back next year. But in the meantime, we strongly advise that you go to the point of purchase to obtain a full refund for this show.”
According to Sun International’s website, “a combination of lower-than-expected demand and the broader financial pressures on the live events industry and society in general in South Africa made the concerts unviable.”
Last week, an update on ticket refunds was shared via the Sun GrandWest official Instagram page:
“We are aware that people who bought tickets for the Blue South Africa Tour are still waiting to be refunded. We have dealt with the promoter for 31 years without any issue, so we are equally surprised by the recent turn of events. “Ticketing agents hold all the funds for the promoter, who appoints them, so we have no legal recourse to force either the promoter or Top Tickets to make reimbursements.”
It appears that the venues themselves are also in the dark. “Neither GrandWest nor Time Square has been able to reach the promoter, but we will continue to make every effort to encourage him to do what is right.” Previously, ticket holders were urged to email support@toptickets.co.za
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With De Villiers National Cycling now under the authority of the appointed liquidator, the company confirmed:
“The liquidation process is now underway, with all company assets, liabilities, and matters of outstanding concern falling under the direction of the appointed liquidator.”
